A British man has died and six people were injured after a yacht crash in Sardinia on Sunday.
The 63-year-old man reported to be the owner of the 21-metre yacht – Amore – was unconscious but still alive when he was rescued by the Italian coastguard of Olbia and Porto Cervo. However, first responders said he died immediately after.
According to initial reports, the yacht crashed into rocks after it suddenly swerved to avoid a collision with another vessel.
Police and coastguards are investigating the Sardinia yacht crash. It occurred at about 8.40pm on Sunday near Li Nibani island, close to Porto Cervo.
Seven people were onboard. Among the injured, two are in a serious condition. The yacht was eventually recovered and towed to Porto Cervo. It has been impounded by the local prosecutor and will be held in Sardinia during the investigation.
Yacht issued mayday
British newspaper Mail Online reported the coastguard commander Francesco Colarullo told them: “The damaged boat was towed back to Porto Cervo and has now been seized by the local prosecutor while the investigation into what happened exactly continues.
“It’s possible speed may have been an issue and we know that other vessels were in the area at the time and the accident may have happened while evasive action was taking place. Every effort was made to save the life of the British man but there was nothing that could be done and he was unconscious when he was recovered.
“The alarm was raised by the Amore with a mayday and they reported they were taking on water after striking rocks and a rescue operation was immediately launched. Two coastguard vessels were involved as well as several other pleasure boats in the area at the time.”
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said: “We are providing support following a maritime accident in Sardinia, including to the family of a dual national who has died. We are in contact with the local authorities.”
